Science, Measurement, Engineering Apprenticeships

Job Description

“I’ve not felt like an apprentice. I’ve felt like a member of the team.’

Brad – Junior Measurement Scientist

Put simply, the National Physical Laboratory helps set the standards by which everything is measured – combatting issues on a global scale such as climate change, curing diseases and the development of cutting-edge communications technology. At NPL, our apprentices are making their mark and getting involved in real projects, whilst developing invaluable skills and gaining qualifications. Passionate about their chosen field, they’ve chosen an apprenticeship as a way of getting ahead. And you could too.

Being an apprentice at NPL

As an apprentice, we’ll expect you to get involved in delivering ground-breaking science, metrology and engineering projects that have a global impact right from the very start – something that doesn’t faze you at all. That’s because you’ll be learning from industry experts who will blend practical experience with the kind of invaluable guidance and theory that will set you on track to gain your Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in either Science (a two-year programme), or Metrology (three years), or Engineering (four years). We’ll even support your development into Professional Institute Memberships. We’ll push and challenge you. But you’ll never feel out of your depth as we’re here to support you and fulfil your potential with us. From team-building and networking, to mindfulness, social evenings and team sports events at the NPL pavilion, we’ll give you the opportunities and skills you need to succeed.

What does it take to be an apprentice here?

Mostly, we’re looking for passion and potential. You need to genuinely want a career in science, engineering or metrology. So, if you’re a school leaver and have just completed either your GCSEs or A-Levels and want to get on, we’re excited to hear from you. Beyond that, we’re looking for someone who’ll thrive in an environment like ours. At NPL we learn from each other, respect each other and work together to do better. For ourselves and for our customers. And whilst we’re always looking to stretch beyond what we know, we don’t make things more complicated when there’s no need. Together, we’re helping make the impossible, possible.

About NPL

At NPL we learn from each other, respect each other and work together to do better. For ourselves and for our customers. And whilst we’re always looking to stretch beyond what we know, we don’t make things more complicated when there’s no need.

Diversity and well-being

As a national laboratory, we’re exploring even more commercial routes to market and that’s presenting us with greater opportunity – for you and us. Our success relies on the diversity and talent of our people, we strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued and supported to excel in their chosen field. This value is at the core of our organisation.

We believe in a culture of fairness by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, background or any other factor irrelevant to a person’s work. At NPL we are committed to the health and wellbeing of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of benefits (see our careers website for more information).

As part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we signed up to the Institute of Physics' Project Juno in 2015 as a Juno Supporter. NPL were proud to be awarded Juno Practitioner status in 2018. NPL also joined Stonewall as a Diversity champion in 2015, participating in their annual Workplace Equality Index for the equality of LGBT+ community at NPL. In 2018, NPL became a member of the Business Disability Forum and joined the disability confident scheme as level 1 committed employer.

To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.

Please note we will be reviewing applications throughout the recruitment, so would encourage you to apply now. We will be publishing assessment centre dates in the next couple of weeks.

About National Physical Laboratory (NPL)

NPL is the UK’s National Measurement Institute, providing the measurement capability that underpins the UK's prosperity and quality of life for all.

From new antibiotics to tackle resistance and more effective cancer treatments, to unhackable quantum communications and superfast 5G, technological advances must be built on a foundation of reliable measurement to succeed. Building on over a century’s worth of expertise, our science, engineering and technology provides this foundation and helps to make the impossible possible. We save lives, protect the environment and enable citizens to feel safe and secure, as well as support international trade and commercial innovation. As a national laboratory, our advice is always impartial and independent, meaning consumers, investors, policymakers and entrepreneurs can always rely on the work we do.